Compare Prozac vs. Remeron

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

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Prozac (fluoxetine)

Prescription only

Remeron (mirtazapine)

Prescription only
Improves mood and helps you relax.

Prozac (fluoxetine) is good for treating depression and anxiety. It's more energizing than other antidepressants, so it may not be the best choice for people who have trouble sleeping.

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3.5/ 5 average rating with 1319 reviewsforProzac
Improves mood.

Remeron (mirtazapine) improves your mood and helps you sleep better, but can cause more weight gain than any other antidepressant.

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3.3/ 5 average rating with 152 reviewsforRemeron
Upsides
  • Effectively treats a variety of mental health conditions such as depression, OCD, and panic disorder.
  • It's more energizing than other antidepressants, so it's good for people who have low energy.
  • Might be a good option for treating children with depression and/or OCD.
  • Doesn't have effects on the heart unlike other antidepressants so it may be a better treatment choice for older people.
  • Can cause a significant amount of weight loss which is an added benefit for those who are overweight or obese.
  • Effective at relieving some depression symptoms.
  • Starts to work more quickly than most antidepressants.
  • Can help you fall asleep if you have trouble sleeping.
  • Can also help relieve anxiety.
  • Good option if you are underweight or frail, because it can help you gain weight.
  • Available as a generic.
Downsides
  • Takes at least 1 to 2 weeks to kick in and can take up to 12 weeks for maximum effect. Prozac (fluoxetine) tends to take more time to start working compared to similar alternatives.
  • Can lower your sex drive.
  • Can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and/or behavior in those age 24 or younger.
  • You may need to try out several different antidepressants before you find the one that works for you.
  • Makes you more tired than other antidepressants.
  • More likely to cause minor weight gain (1-5 pounds) and raise cholesterol than any other antidepressant.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Delayed-release pill
  • Liquid
  • Pill
  • Dissolving tablet
Price
Lowest price
$595.21
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Lowest price
$8.84
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Reviews
1319 reviews so far
62%
saidit'sworth it
40%
saiditworked well
16%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Prozac (fluoxetine)?

Leave a review
152 reviews so far
45%
saidit'sworth it
39%
saiditworked well
26%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Remeron (mirtazapine)?

Leave a review
Side effects
22possible side effects
  • Inability to sleep
    33%
  • Nausea
    28%
  • Lack of energy
    21%
  • Anxiety
    15%
  • Sleepiness
    13%
  • Tremor
    13%
  • Nervousness
    11%
  • Yawn
    11%
  • Indigestion
    10%
  • Sore throat
    10%
  • Dry mouth
    9%
  • Flu syndrome
    8%
  • Diarrhea
    8%
  • Loss of appetite
    8%
  • Sweating
    8%
  • Impotence
    7%
  • Abnormal ejaculation
    7%
  • Sinus infection
    6%
  • Lower sex drive
    5%
  • Abnormal dreams
    5%
  • Rash
    4%
  • Widening of blood vessels
    2%
See more detailed side effects
17possible side effects
  • Sleepiness
    54%
  • Dry mouth
    25%
  • Increased appetite  
    17%
  • Increased appetite
    17%
  • Constipation
    13%
  • Weight gain
    12%
  • Lack of energy
    8%
  • Dizziness
    7%
  • Flu syndrome
    5%
  • Abnormal dreams
    4%
  • Abnormal thinking
    3%
  • Back pain
    2%
  • Swelling in limbs
    2%
  • Muscle pain
    2%
  • Tremor
    2%
  • Confusion
    2%
  • Urinary frequency
    2%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
  • Suicidal thoughts or behavior
    • Age 24 or younger
  • Serotonin syndrome
    • Antidepressants
    • Lithium
    • Ultram
    • Imitrex
    • Remeron
    • Lexapro
    • Dilaudid
    • St. John's Wort
  • Skin rash
  • Weight loss
    • People with an eating disorder
  • Increased bleeding risk
    • Taking NSAIDS or blood-thinning drugs
  • Abnormal heart rhythm
    • People with heart rhythm problems or a family history of them
    • Low potassium level
    • Low magnesium level
    • Recent heart attack
    • Using other drugs that affect heart rhythm
    • Overdose
    • People with liver problems
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Suicidal thoughts or behavior
    • Age 24 years or younger
  • Serotonin syndrome
    • Using other medications that affect serotonin
  • Heart problems
    • History of heart problems
    • History of liver problems
    • Higher dose
  • Driving impairment
    • Alcohol
    • Taking other medicines that make you less alert
  • Weight gain
  • Blood disorders
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Prozac (fluoxetine)
Learn more about Remeron (mirtazapine)